www.regulations.govThis website allows the user to view proposed rules and other regulatory documents, submit a comment, review other comments and view the final rule. Twenty-five agencies partner to manage regulations.gov, however the site is an online source for U.S. government regulations from almost 300 federal agencies. You can also sign up for email alerts about a specific regulation. Visit www.regulations.gov to see how this site can work for you.

If a company does not comply 100% with the instructions in a solicitation, government does not have to consider the bid. At times the solicitation can be so complex that it could even state the font size required on the resumes. Failing to conform to the formatting requirements is considered a reasonable step to eliminate a proposal.

Be sure to catch this GBG-sponsored teleconference presented by Bill Blumberg, who many may remember from his days at DFAS-Headquarters. While there, he was an active speaker for GBG and aided in the writing and understanding of the FAR.

In this slow economy, managing cash and liquidity are more important than ever. That same slow economy and the large Federal stimulus package are causing more companies to look at doing business with the federal government. However, doing business with and collecting from the federal government is far different than commercial business practice, with its own set of very detailed rules and procedures. Understanding those rules can improve cash flow. For any company with any federal contracts, this GBG teleconference will teach you what to do, how to do it and help you solve problems with the government at all levels.

Date:

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Time:

3:00 â€“ 4:00pm EST

Cost:

$39.95 for GBG members;

$49.95 for non-GBG members

*per phone line

Billâ€™s first book, Government Contractors Guide to Managing Federal Government Payments and Collections provides extensive coverage of federal government payment and collections from both the government and vendor side. This how-to guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the federal government system and will be an invaluable tool for any receivables office.

Bill will be answering questions sent by GBG newsletter readers. This is your last chance to submit your questions. Please email questions to debc@nacm.org by Friday, November 6. You will be notified if your question is chosen to be part of the teleconference discussion.

To register for the Government Contractors Guide to Managing Federal Government Payments & Collections teleconference, click here.

Should I Protest?

Almost all competitive federal procurements are conducted by using competitive negotiation procedures as opposed to sealed bidding. According to FAR 52.215-1(f)(4), federal agencies do not have to hold a discussion with the bidder if the agency does not believe the discussion is needed. However, FAR 15.306(d)(3) requires that when an agency conducts discussions with the bidder, the contracting officer (CO) may discuss with each company and consider the award â€śdeficiencies, significant weaknesses and adverse past performance information to which the offeror has not yet had an opportunity to respond.â€ť A company can protest and probably should protest if the discussion is not meaningful, and misleading for a reasonable chance of being selected for contract awards. Any agency can be protested through the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Tips for Protesting

Always keep excellent documentation, even if the discussion is oral.

Always give a full disclosure of weaknesses or deficiencies raised.

Always obtain a debriefing and if there are any deficiencies, you may consider a protest.

Problems With Uncle Sam Not Paying Invoices

Many members are having issues with not getting paid on time. This is always a sensitive subject. Sales donâ€™t want you to yell and shout. Accounting wants it paid ASAP. One possibility for vendors is to file a claim with the Armed Services Board of Contracting Appeals. Vendors must have submitted a proper invoice and have performed the contract obligations. Put in writing to your Contracting Officer that there is a problem with the payment. If you have not heard back from the Contracting Officer within three weeks, send another written notice that you are demanding payment. If you still have not heard from the Contracting Officer, you may file a claim with the appropriate Board of Contract Appeals depending on the agency.